| Unit name | Basins and Reservoirs |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EASC30072 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1B (weeks 7 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Whitaker |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Mandatory units in Year 1 of the relevant degree programme, EASC20007 Sedimentology. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
Understanding sedimentary basins is key to unlocking subsurface energy and mineral resources - from geothermal energy to hydrocarbons to liquid ores - as well as for underground storage of CO2 and other fluids and energy.
The Basins & Reservoirs unit enables students to apply their knowledge of sedimentology and geophysics to sedimentary basins to develop an understanding of basin-fill architecture, the storage and movement of fluids through reservoir systems, how we image and predict these in the subsurface, and implications for fossil and renewable energy sources and underground storage.
This is a core disciplinary concept for Geology and Geophysics programmes, and complements core units for students studying Environmental Geoscience and Palaeontology and Evolution.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit draws upon the skills and knowledge from Year 1 teaching in EASC10001 Geology 1, and Year 2 EASC20007 Sedimentology.
An overview of content
You will learn how basins form and infill with sediments, and how geophysics can be used to image these and the subsurface fluids they host. We consider the nature and distribution of these fluids, and the coupling between fluid circulation, subsurface temperature and geomechanics. This knowledge is applied to exploration and management of basin resources, as sources of geothermal energy, hydrocarbons and ores, and as stores for waste fluids including CO2 and energy. Case studies from different industrial and geological settings will be used to expand knowledge of a range of regional geologies from the UK and across the World. You will apply these concepts in the field and collect data for further analysis and also present the results of team-based research on a topic of your choice in an oral presentation conference-style session.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
Armed with a state-of-the-art understanding of this multi-disciplinary topic you will have an appreciation of resources hosted in sedimentary basins opportunities and of the challenges in exploring for and managing these resources. You will be well-placed to work in this and related sectors and to apply for further study, and more skilled in teamwork and confident in oral presentation.
Learning Outcomes
The unit will be taught through a combination of
Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory or field work, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2022/23 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative)
The unit includes a compulsory fieldtrip (which is examinable) where you will also collect data for analysis in one of the practical classes. Further practical classes involve analysis of seismic interpretation and analysis of geophysical data to identify a potential hydrocarbon reservoir, and to estimate oil reserves in place within it (or update to CO2??). Feedback on practical classes will be provided at the end of each class or by worked solutions.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
You will sit an end-of-unit, timed examination, comprising a mix of data analysis and interpretation, calculation and essay-style question types based on lecture, practical and field trip material (75% of unit mark).
Working in small groups, you will choose a relevant scientific question, then research and prepare a scientific presentation. Your talk will be assessed based on visual presentation and quality of research (25% of unit mark).
When assessment does not go to plan
The University’s Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes outline the requirements for progression on and completion of degree programmes. Students who miss an exam and self-certify their absence may complete a supplementary assessment for an uncapped mark as if taken for the first time. Resit and supplementary exams are habitually taken during the reassessment period later in the summer. As far as is practicable and appropriate, resit and supplementary assessments will be in the same form as the original assessment but will always test the same intended learning outcomes as the initial missed or failed assessment. In the case of group work, failure by a whole group would result in an appropriate group task being set and reassessed for all group members. If a single student fails a group assessment or is unable to participate for an evidenced reason, an individual reassessment will be set.
There are rigorous and fair procedures in place to support students who are ill or whose studies and assessments are affected by exceptional circumstances.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASC30072).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
